What prospects will be at 2026 NFL Draft? League announces full list of attendees
The NFL has announced the full list of players who will attend the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh later this month. Here is who will be in attendance:
The NFL announced April 9 that 16 players will attend the 2026 NFL Draft . The likely No. 1 overall pick – Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza – will not be among them .
Mendoza's absence from the official attendee list isn't a surprise. Reports emerged April 8 that the reigning Heisman Trophy winner would remain home in Miami to watch the 2026 NFL Draft with his friends and family. As a result, Mendoza figures to become the first No.
1 overall pick not to attend the draft since the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Travon Walker atop the 2022 NFL Draft. That said, another prominent quarterback – Alabama's Ty Simpson – is planning to attend the 2026 NFL Draft . Simpson is widely believed to be the second-best quarterback in this year's class, but it remains unclear whether he will ultimately be selected in the first round.
Here's more to know about those who will be in attendance for the 2026 NFL Draft. NFL NEWS, TAKES, FANTASY ADVICE: USA TODAY Sports has you covered with our NFL vodcast NFL DRAFT DATA: A thin QB first round is looming in 2026 2026 NFL Draft attendees The NFL announced 16 players will attend the 2026 NFL Draft. They are as follows: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech Rueben Bain Jr.